Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Top: J.Crew (old petite, similar here) / Pants: Banana Republic (petite and on SALE!) / Belt: J.Crew Factory / Shoes: Target (old) / Earrings: Kate Spade (similar here) / Necklace: J.Crew / Sunnies: Kate Spade / Watch: Michael Kors / Bag: Michael Kors / Lips: MAC-Lady DangerWho ever invented the top-knot saved my life! With only washing my hair 2x a week (plus working out 6x a week), I needed a hair style for day 4 of dirty hair. While I usually blow out the sweat (workout blowout post here), there is no way this hair can be saved by day 4. Thank you top knot! I can wear my dirty hair in a big bun, and still be considered "put together."Funny side note. When Todd and I first got married one of the things he told me was "Wow, I didn't realize how much you don't wash your hair!!!" I simply replied by saying "Honey, this is normal for girl!" I think I have permanently tainted Todd's view of woman cleanliness. Have you entered the Primp and Blow giveaway yet?!

If you haven't already noticed by now, I love wearing skirts. Since my early years in high school I was always caught in some type of skirt. There was a point where my mother would stare at my closet and say "Jessica you DON'T need another pink mini skirt!!!" What can I say?! I was a sucker for the Abercrombie and Hollister California fashion back then. As I got into college my style transitioned from "teeny bopper" to "young up-and-coming adult." I traded the polo tees for silk blouses, denim minis for fitted pencil skirts, and stick straight hair for loose waves.

One day, while studying on campus I was approached by a fellow peer. They asked me why do I always wear skirts and dresses? I simply replied by saying "Well why not?" "I am a girl." While some didn't understand my rationalization for dressing up for school, it was something that made me feel girly and chic!

Have you entered the Primp and Blow giveaway yet? Did you know that you can enter everyday?!

Who doesn't love to be pampered right?! Today I'm excited to announce a giveaway sponsored by a blow dry bar Primp and Blow. I was first introduced to P&B in March where I was desperate for their services. Between working at Nordstrom and Pure Barre, I couldn't find anytime to wash my hair! It's a sad truth. Not willing to go another day with the greasy bun, I finally walked into P&B. As I walked into the salon I was in immediate "ah" of how cute the decor was. Rich in natural light with hints of blue. Large mirrors and chandeliers were the perfect finishing details. Stacks of magazines and reruns of "Sex and the City" playing in the background made me know that I've finally found the woman holy land!

Once I was dipped in the wash bowl, I was out of the salon within 35 minutes. My hair was luscious, smooth, and perfect! No matter how hard I try, I can never blow my hair out like this. The best part of getting my hair blown out is that it lasts for days!

Now this salon is different from your other blow dry bars. They go the extra mile. Instead of just doing blow outs, they complete the total look by providing a full makeup service as well.

Since I loved my experience so much, I decided that you should too! Say what?! You heard right!!

For me, the hardest part is to find the brand that fits my petite frame. I usually consider myself a strict J Brand and Hudson gal (because they make smaller sizes), and rarely venture into other brands. This year I was introduced to Rag and Bone, and bought my fist pair this Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I am obsessed! While I don't think that this brand is for every body type, unlike Paige denim, it fits me perfectly!!!! For those of you who haven't ever tried on a pair, they run narrow in the hips and thighs. In my line of work I am either in skirts/slacks or workout spandex, and rarely have the opportunity to wear jeans. I love my days off where I am able to rock my beloved denim, and hang out with the hubs.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

As the title of this post suggests, I absolutely love grapefruit.....or any fruit for that matter. With the large amounts of fruit I consume everyday, I'd swear I was a fruit bat in a previous life.

This ruby red goddess not only has good looks, but is good for you. Talk about beauty and brains! This tart and tangy fruit is lofty in nutrition! Today lets gain a clean eating education and discuss five reasons why you should include this delicious fruit into your daily diet.

1. Jumpstart Your Metabolism in the Morning

Eating a grapefruit for breakfast is a great way to boost your metabolism, which enhances your fat burning capabilities. Can a Dunkin Donut claim that?

2. Weight Loss

Grapefruit is naturally rich with vitamin C which can reduce insulin levels. Lower levels of insulin leads to less fat storage, and weight loss.

3. Improve Skin Quality

Who doesn't want better skin right?! Let's go glam with grapefruit. It contains high concentrations of vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and it reduces premature aging. You are probably asking yourself what is lycopene? Chemically speaking it is a part of the carotenoid family composed of carbon/hydrogen blahblahblah conjugated bonds in a trans form blahblahblahblah sterics blahaha isomerization blahablah...... You've got to remember I was a chem minor ;) In layman's terms, lycopene aids in counteracting the damage done to your skin through age and uv rays.

4. Disease Prevention

With this fruit being rich in vitamins and antioxidants it helps prevent heart disease, cancer, liver disease, and diabetes.

5. Aids in Digestions
We can all relate to the Thanksgiving scenario. There you are sitting around the table devouring the holiday bird followed by way too many slices of grandmas famous pumpkin pie. I am guilty of this crime. With so many different dishes, a stomach ache can occur. Immediate regret sets in as indigestion increases, and you continually mutter "Why oh why did I eat that?" Here is your answer to prevent common indigestion... Grapefruit (thus the topic of discussion). The pulp and fiber contained within the fruit adds bulk to your bowels and helps regulate how many times you go to the bathroom. Grapefruit also improves the way digestive juices flow through the stomach, thus aiding digestion.

After reading some of these benefits I hope that you make the effort to include this fruit in your diet. Instead of "an apple a day keeps the dr. away," think..
"a grapefruit a day".....

Maybe it's all the new fall merchandise at Nordstrom making me crave to wear fall hues! While Arizona 110+ temps don't exactly spell fall, I'd like to think that I'm weeks away from packing up my shorts in exchange for leather jackets. I'm currently swooning over the lace and moto trends this fall. Have you shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary sale yet?In case of you missed it here is a list of some of my favorites from the sale.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Where has the time gone?! It feels just like yesterday that Django still had his puppy fur, floppy ears, and fit between both my palms. I remember when I first got him at 7 weeks old, and how happy I was to finally get a puppy after 3 years of marriage. How his little black face melted my heart. The deal with Todd and I was that when he got accepted to dental school that I would finally get a yorkie. Getting Django was the perfect way for me to have something to care for, have a friend, and keep me company while moving out of my comfort zone to a new state. He is truly the apple of my eye, and I'm proud to call myself a dog mom. With Django's first year of birth flying by in a wink of an eye, I can't even imagine what it will be like when we have kids.

This little guy was treated on his birthday by eating his first baccon-wrapped filet mignon!